You are here

Joshua Baxter

Bob Rae, chief negotiator for the nine Matawa First Nations, met with Marten Falls leaders and community citzenss on August 30th, 2017, to update them on the progress being made in negotiations with the province concerning the Ring of Fire.

“I hope we can work together and reach an agreement with the province. We already have a Regional Framework Agreement[RFA]. And the purpose of the agreements is to improve conditions on-reserve and to assist communities in their desire to improve the lives of their citizens and to gain control of the lands that they occupy,” he said.

Marten Falls First Nation officials and Matawa representatives hosted an All-Access-Road meeting on August 31, 2017 at the community’s community hall. The meeting was to touch base on the future development of the north-south road to the community following the announcement that provincial government will be funding the road.

Qasim Saddique, a consultant from Toronto and advisor to Cheif Bruce Achneepineskum on development issues, spoke at the meeting. Saddique said it is vital that community citizens share their input. He said there will be changes happening in the future.

A group of youth ventured through the Winisk River, paddling from Nibinamik First Nation (Summer Beaver) to Webequie First Nation from July 19 to August 1, 2017, as part of a Matwawa Learning Centre summer canoe trip.
Marten Falls First Nation Band Councillor, Alex Aggamaway, travelled as a chaperone for the youth, along with experienced guides from Boreal River Tours.

“The purpose of the trip was to engage the youth in the knowledge of their land. That’s what I get from it. How far our indigenous youth were aware of the land and the uses of that land,” Aggamaway said.

Marten Falls First Nation recognized Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation with a celebration on July 1, 2017. Band members feasted on foods harvested from the land and participated in games and activities at the pow-wow grounds, capped off with a dance at the school gym and a fireworks display by the river.

Children ran and played games and parents and elders enjoyed the day talking with other members of the community. “It’s good to be out here for Canada Day night,” said Brenda Baxter.